Free Consultation (212) 970-6500

Free Consultation
(212) 970-6500

Search
Close this search box.

Fires and Gas Leak Accidents on Construction Sites

gas leak
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Construction workers face countless hazards at work every day. Among these dangers are fires and gas leak accidents. While construction projects regularly involve working with gas lines, the risks of leaks are heightened. Not only can gas leaks cause workers to suffer carbon monoxide poisoning, but fires and explosions can also occur if gas lines are not handled properly. Significantly, if you suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to a gas leak or fire on a construction site due to a third party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Fire and Gas Leak Injuries

The physical injuries caused by a construction site gas leak accident or fire can be life-changing. Not only can injuries caused by such an incident require substantial medical treatment, but they can also result in time lost from work. Depending on the extent of the injuries, a construction worker injured due to a gas leak or fire may also be unable to return to their employment in the future.

A construction worker who was exposed to a gas leak can suffer from various injuries, including:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Asphyxia
  • Brain damage
  • Gastrointestinal injuries
  • Migraines
  • Pulmonary contusion

A gas leak accident or fire can affect a victim in many ways. Critically, psychological injuries are also not uncommon after a gas leak accident. A victim may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety — in many cases, these kinds of injuries may be just as debilitating as physical ones. In addition, if the gas leak leads to a fire, a victim can suffer burns, severe disfigurement, or even fatality.  

Workers’ Compensation may cover a certain amount of medical expenses and lost wages for a construction site gas leak accident victim. However, it’s rarely enough to cover the full extent of the damages incurred. In such cases, it may be necessary to file a personal injury action.

Liability for Fire and Gas Leak Accidents

There are some prominent signs that could indicate a construction site gas leak. Hissing noises, strange smells, and visibly damaged pipes are just a few ways a gas leak can be detected — and it’s critical to take emergency action to prevent accidents. Gas lines should be promptly shut down, and the site evacuated immediately.

Although an employee cannot sue their employer for work-related injuries caused by a fire or gas leak accident under New York’s Workers’ Compensation law, they may still be able to hold a third party accountable. For instance, if a property owner, sub-contractor, or another party failed to inspect gas storage containers, follow safety regulations, ensure properly working equipment, or provide safety gear, they may be held liable for negligence. If defective equipment was the cause of the accident, the equipment manufacturer may be responsible.

A construction worker who suffered injuries due to a gas leak may be entitled to various damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit, including their economic and non-economic losses. An award of economic damages covers monetary loss in connection with medical treatment, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages due to the accident. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-pecuniary losses. Additionally, if you lost a loved one in a construction site gas leak accident or fire, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

Gas leak or fire injuries sustained in a construction site accident can be devastating. If you were hurt on a construction site, it’s crucial to contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately who can advise you of your legal rights and strive to obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. Has been providing high-quality legal service and reliable advocacy to injured construction workers for more than 30 years — and securing favorable results in their cases.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. Has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email